History of Environmental Education

Environmental education has evolved alongside our understanding of environmental health, which examines how our surroundings affect well-being. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, public health movements began emphasizing clean air and water. The 1960s and 70s saw a rise in environmentalism, spurred by awareness of pollution and its health impacts, leading to formal educational programs. By the 1980s and 90s, environmental education integrated ecological principles and sustainability. Today, it focuses on empowering individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and the planet, recognizing the interconnectedness of human health and a healthy environment.